7 Tips for a Perfect "Hygge-Night"

With V'Day a few days away I thought I'd give you some ideas about how you can get extra cozy with your loved ones with a little help from the Danes. ❤

Denmark is well known for being one of the happiest countries in the world, but they are also known to feel more calm and peaceful than people in other European countries. 

There are many factors that contribute to that, but for the most part, it's due to their focus on Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga).

Hygge loosely translates as a sense of comfort, togetherness, and wellbeing - and might actually originate from the word "hug". 🤗

It's all about the atmosphere and experience as opposed to things. 

It's a feeling of home, being with the ones we love, the feeling that we're safe, shielded from the world and able to let our guards down. 

So plan a Hygge Night with someone you love with these tricks from the Danes:

1. Light un-scented, soy candles. 🕯The Danes burn more candles than anyone in the world. But not just in the living room & bedroom, they light them in boardrooms and classrooms too. And they are NOT scented. Scented candles are considered to be artificial and non-soy candles are carcinogenic. Oh, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it!!
2. Make it a phone-free zone. 📴 The Danes make a conscious effort to be present with one another and to create environments of "relaxed thoughtfulness" - allowing communication with loved ones to unfold naturally... creating space for light-hearted, down-to-earth conversations. That means putting the phones in another room and no talk about politics ;). 
3. Bring out the board games. 🎲 Netflix is probably your go-to for a cozy-night. But switch it up by eliminating technology-based entertainment. Board games encourage "togetherness", create common memories and strengthen bonds. And by taking out a "classic" like Monopoly, the nostalgia will bring you back to simpler times and create extra hygge!
4. Put together a hygge playlist. 🎶 Vinyl would be considered more hyggelig than digital, but since that might be hard to come by, create a hygge playlist on spotify full of relaxing, feel good tunes.
5. Prepare some hot drinks and slow food. ☕️ Hot drinks are what 86% of Danes associate with hygge. It could be your favorite tea, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. And hygge food is all about enjoying the slow process of it - appreciating the time to prepare something of value, and your relationship with the meal. So look up a recipe for Danish Twistbread and make it together before you settle down on the couch!
6. Do NOT dress up! 👚 Casual is key. Make a thing of it and get in your comfiest PJs and warm socks. In Denmark, you'll rarely find a three-piece suit on the streets of Copenhagen. They value minimalist, functional design.
7. Load up on the comfy blankets. Hygge is more about how things feel as opposed to how they look. So think "tactile". Use ceramic mugs for your hot chocolate and turn the heat down so you can get extra snuggly. 

So enjoy a night of snuggles, great conversation, and lasting memories. And if you have other hygge-ideas please mention them in the comments below.

You can learn more about hygge at my upcoming Ikigai Retreat. Check it out here.